American soldier arrested in Russia

An American soldier has been arrested in Russia, US authorities and state-run Russian media say.

The arrest is said to have taken place over the weekend, according to John Kirby, spokesman for the US National Security Council.

Unnamed US officials told NBC News that the soldier was on a private trip in Russia. He is said to have been stationed in South Korea.

In Russia, the soldier is allegedly accused of stealing from a woman. The Russian state news agency Ria reports that the man was arrested in Vladivostok, and that he will remain in custody until 2 July. Ria quotes the court’s press office as saying that the American’s name is Gordon Black.

The AP news agency is informed by American officials that the man was with a Russian woman. She was living in South Korea when she and the American got into some sort of argument, and then left the country, it is further said.

Then Black is said to have gone to Russia without disclosing this. He is said to have been on leave while waiting to return to the United States.

The arrest comes less than a year after American soldier Travis King ran into North Korea from South Korea. He was later returned to the United States and charged with desertion.

Several Americans are imprisoned in Russia, including Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan. The United States believes both are imprisoned on false grounds and has negotiated to have them released.